Introduction to the Silhouette Alta® Plus

Introduction to the Silhouette Alta® Plus

The Silhouette Alta® Plus is an upgraded version of Silhouette’s first 3D printer, the original Alta. It’s a delta-style printer that can be used to create custom 3D objects. When paired with the Silhouette 3D™ software to create and prepare designs, you can take your creativity to an entirely new dimension.

Features of the Silhouette Alta® Plus

Comes precalibrated and preassembled

Can print custom 3D designs

Uses a built-in fan to help improve print quality

Comes with its own 3D printing software, Silhouette 3D™

Allows you to adjust your print settings depending on the project

Prints at fast and slow speeds

Prints at low and high temperatures

Prints up to 130 mm tall and 124 mm wide

Allows you to build your own 3D designs with Silhouette Snap Kits

Prints objects with any 1.75 mm PLA filament

Prints Silhouette 3D™ files as well as third-party files (.STL and .OBJ formats)

Can print files imported from Silhouette Studio®

What is 3D printing?

3D printing is the process of creating a physical 3D object from a digital model. The digital model is prepared for 3D printing through a process called slicing in 3D printing software, where the software breaks down the printing process by each layer. When the slicing process is done, the software sends the information to the 3D printer, which heats up a plastic material called filament and prints one thin layer of melted filament at a time. When the filament has cooled down, the 3D object is complete.

Why should you consider the Silhouette Alta® Plus?

Many 3D printers that are available are expensive, especially for first-time users, and require you to assemble them out of the box. The Alta Plus comes preassembled, precalibrated, and ready to plug and play. Everything you need to get started comes in the box. In addition, it is available at a competitive price of $349.99.

Included with the purchase of the Silhouette Alta®, you also get the Silhouette 3D™ software to customize and prepare your 3D design to print. This software is unique because it’s a one-stop shop; you can design and slice your objects and send the printing instructions to the 3D printer all through Silhouette 3D™. This is a game changer! Many 3D printing systems don’t allow you to design and slice within a single software experience.

What’s the difference between the original Alta and the Alta Plus?

The Alta Plus has a few new elements to note. The first, more noticeable difference is the appearance. The Alta Plus is gray where the original Alta was classic white. The second difference is the addition of a fan in the Alta Plus to aid in the creation of your 3D prints. The third difference is the ability to adjust the calibration points by hand, making it easier and faster to calibrate the Alta Plus 3D printer. The final difference is that the print head piece has been updated so that it is easier to remove, therefore making it easier to replace should you ever need to do so.

How does it work?

Insert the end of the filament through the feeder and filament hose at the top of the machine. Open your design in Silhouette 3D and select your print settings. Select “Slice” and the software will then determine the layers to print. When you are ready to print your design and your machine has heated up the plastic filament to the indicated temperature, the Alta will begin to extrude and layer the melted filament. When the machine is done printing and the filament has cooled, you’ll have your 3D object.

What kind of filament can be used with the Alta Plus?

The Alta and Alta Plus both use any non-proprietary PLA filament that is 1.75 mm thick. Silhouette sells both standard and specialty filament available in a variety of colors and finishes. To view the pricing and availability of each type, please visit SilhouetteAmerica.com.

Alta Plus Availability

Starting today, you’ll be able to order the Silhouette Alta®, filament, and other machine accessories while supplies last. Keep checking back on our website and social media channels for project ideas and inspiration!

Hi, I am looking for a die cut machine, for making detailed designs for greeting cards, that can cut through very thick card stock and glitter stock. Can you suggest a machine? Also need to know how blades/cutters work. Do they self sharpen? Or do they need replacing? How much cutting for each replacement? Would it be ideal for doing professional crafting? For more than just the odd one off. I would appreciate a response.